“You don’t consider the mortification of bringing out two daughters at a time and having one left on hand, like a bale of unsaleable goods, while such a woman as that vulgar Mrs. Dobbs has married her four red-headed frights in two seasons.” “How was that done?” “Oh! by management; but then the girls were as anxious as the mother, and helped themselves along. As to Kate, I don’t believe she would take the trouble to walk across the room in order to secure the best match in the country.” “She certainly is very indifferent, but she seems perfectly contented.” “Yes, that is the trouble; she is perfectly satisfied to remain a fixture, although she knows that she will have to rank with the ‘_antiques_’ as soon as I begin to bring out her four younger sisters.” “Perhaps it would be better to bring out Ella next winter,” sighed the father. “Yes, Ella is lively and fresh-looking, and during the festivities which will follow Louisa’s wedding, she can slip into her place in society without the expense of a ‘_coming-out_’ party.” “You speak as if Louisa’s marriage were a settled thing.” “Because she can have her choice now of half a dozen, and by the time the season is over she will probably decide.” “Well, under your guidance, she is not likely to make an imprudent choice.” “I hope not. To tell you the truth, I am waiting for one more declaration, and then there will be no more delay,” said the mother. “Has she not admirers enough?” “Yes, but if she can secure young Ferrers it will be worth waiting.” “What! Clarence Ferrers? Why, he is worth almost half a million; is he an admirer of Louisa’s?” “He is a new acquaintance, and seems very much struck with her beauty; but he is an odd creature, and seems to pride himself upon differing from all the rest of the world; we shall see what will happen. One thing only is certain, Louisa will be married before the year is out, and Kate will, I think, resign herself to old-maidism with a very good grace.” And having come to this conclusion, the two wise-acres composed themselves to sleep.